French Court Allows Major Muslim Gathering
A large Muslim gathering in northern Paris will go ahead as planned after a French court overturned a government decision to ban the event on security grounds. The four-day “Annual Encounter of Muslims of France,” organized by the Muslims of France (MF), had been blocked by local authorities who warned it could become a target for terrorist attacks. However, the organizers filed an urgent legal challenge, arguing that the ban violated fundamental freedoms, particularly the right to assemble. The administrative court ruled in their favor just two hours before the scheduled opening, allowing the event to proceed. In its decision, the court stated that the police had not provided sufficient evidence to justify the restrictions. It found no clear proof of risks such as counter-demonstrations or threats from far-right groups. Judges also dismissed concerns about pressure on security forces, noting […]